Strategies for Managing Frustrations

Your client may benefit from having tools to help them manage frustration. This may support their participation in both learning and social activities. To start, it may be helpful to increase their understanding of what frustration is through discussion. Help your client identify potential situations that can cause frustration and things she/he can do when she/he encounters these situations (e.g., ask for help, take a break). 

It may also be helpful to: 

• Provide your client with opportunities to experience success and incorporate her/his interests and areas of strength into activities that are more challenging for her. 

• Encourage the client to ask for help when needed. Provide her/him with positive praise for asking for help from adults to encourage and increase the frequency of this behaviour. 

It also may be helpful to take a look at academic accommodations that focus on minimizing frustration.

For more information and targeted interventions on anger and aggression, see these handouts:

• Anger and Aggression at School Handout
• Threats of Violence Handout
• Frustration Handout